One of the most difficult things I've ever had to do...

[MoPOWeR-349]

So...Somethings been on my mind for quite some time and felt the need to share it with those who might better understand. As some of you already know I'm a traditional reservist in the USAF and proud to serve my country and it's people. A few months ago, maybe more, we laid to rest one of our own squadron members.

I was afforded the district privilege in being part of the honor guard, participating in his ceremony, the final farewell salute and the passing of the flag in front of hundreds in attendance. This is such an emotional gut wrenching experience I can't begin to articulate my feelings. It took every ounce of my being to keep from an utter breakdown while on center stage while all eyes are on you! One of the most difficult things I've ever had to do...

To my point and what troubles me the most is the void a sudden death leaves behind in ones passing. Coping with the front row seat when dealing with situations like this is absolutely horrid. It's times like this I both love and hate my job...in additoion I just wanted to point out the obvious to you all. Thanks for all that you do...

R.I.P. TSgt Brown and thank you for your service.

[Truth Kid]

It's certainly an experience that puts your life in perspective. I had done funeral details as Fort Drum gets tasked to do pretty much every funeral in New England and NY, and it all was just ceremony to me. Then having to do one for one of my friends, nothing prepares you for that. I can't say I've ever really gone back to my old self since, that bit of emptiness has never left. While i don't know you, we share a common bond that we've made the same commitment to our country. If you need someone to talk to, feel free to shoot me a PM and I'll give you my email address. I'd give you a phone # but I'm downrange myself.

[typicalmarine]

I feel your pain, I once had to present the American flag to a mother who just lost her son. The instant I was standing in front of her and the reality that I'm about to give her a flag in place of her son hit me like a ton of bricks. Dont get me wrong, I respect the tradition and the message it sends. It's just that I knew the only thing she wanted at that moment was to hold her son in her hands once again.

Keep your head up. You did a great thing by both honoring him as a person and warrior.

[stroguy]

Nothing more pious than a military funeral. For non-military members it would be hard to explain just how deep the emotions of the event are felt. When the volley of rifles is made, I lose it everytime. And when the buglar plays taps it's all a person can take.

RIP warrior.

[ChuckWagon]

I cannot begin to imagine the strength it take to remian composed while performing a ceremony such as that. While at my fathers funeral, the Air Force color guard played Taps and presented the folded flag to my sister while I took pictures of the whole event. Afterward, I had the opportunity to personally shake each members hand and thank them for the ceremony and for their service. They were grateful and said that people don't often make it a point of speaking with them.

Thank you for sharing and thank you for your service to our country!

[Sharp Charge]

I ran 3 Honor Guards when I was stationed in Hawaii from 99-02, it's tough but you push through. In 2003 I lost a friend who was stationed with me on the ship, she was diagnosed with Leukemia in May and died in June. That's when everything hit me. It seemed half the ship turned out for her funeral in Beaufort Sc. Keep in mind this was an aircraft carrier that we were attached to.

In 2005 I lost a friend from high school that was a USMC sniper. He fell with his team of 6 in the Al Anbar province. 12 others from his unit were killed when they were searching for his missing team. To this day every time I hear TAPS played I instantly choke up.

You've done all you can to honor your friends sacrifice for his country.

Rip AC2 Joy Ladson and CPL Jeff Boskovitch

[CoolVanilla]

I'm not military myself. However I am military family. My brother in law (and very good friend) just returned from his second tour in Iraq. He's a MAJ and just earned his second Bronze Star.

Most fortunately he came home to us, his wife and his two young children. But not without a few close calls, and more services for his fallen men than he cares to talk about. He's not the same man that left us those some years ago.

So while I don't understand, and nor will I ever understand, I do recognize the sacrifice you make for the families of the fallen. Your strength is their strength, and the influence you have on how they view their sacrifice in years to come is unspeakable. You help give meaning.

Thank you guys, for all you do.

[Sharp Charge]

I'm not military myself. However I am military family. My brother in law (and very good friend) just returned from his second tour in Iraq. He's a MAJ and just earned his second Bronze Star.

Most fortunately he came home to us, his wife and his two young children. But not without a few close calls, and more services for his fallen men than he cares to talk about. He's not the same man that left us those some years ago.

So while I don't understand, and nor will I ever understand, I do recognize the sacrifice you make for the families of the fallen. Your strength is their strength, and the influence you have on how they view their sacrifice in years to come is unspeakable. You help give meaning.

Thank you guys, for all you do.

I've read all the updates you have posted while he was deployed. Welcome him home for me.

[CoolVanilla]

I've read all the updates you have posted while he was deployed. Welcome him home for me.

I have a few more I should post up. His welcome home was amazing; the Patriot Guard Riders met him at the airport gate, and escorted his car all the way home; there was at least 50 bikes. And of course when his kids saw him... damn.

I'll see about organizing everything and making a new post soon. Thanks for remembering, and you bet I'll pass on the welcome SC.

[Sharp Charge]

I have a few more I should post up. His welcome home was amazing; the Patriot Guard Riders met him at the airport gate, and escorted his car all the way home; there was at least 50 bikes. And of course when his kids saw him... damn.

I'll see about organizing everything and making a new post soon. Thanks for remembering, and you bet I'll pass on the welcome SC.

[MrPottyMouth]

The most moving thing I have ever experienced in my life. This was for my Uncle Charles. 1st Lt USAF F-84 thunderjet pilot. Shot down in Korea on 5-3-53 taken prisoner, transported to USSR never to return. The only funeral ceremony I have ever cried at. I could still cry about it to this day if I think about what he must have gone through.
You guys and gals are the best and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do. I just wish I could have the courage to do what you do.
-B-

[typicalmarine]

I tend to have mixed emotions when it comes to a warriors passing. My initial feelings are of shock and sadness because losing one of our own is nothing less than a complete tragedy. Then on the other hand I feel like they left this world in one of the most honorable ways possible and that brings feelings of intense pride.

I was reading a book a few years back about a Navy Seal team that unfortunately all but one fell to terrorists in Afghanistan. The sole survivor told the story of his fellow brothers last hours. These guys fought off fighters estimated to be in the hundreds. They remained level headed and strong. Each time a Seal fired his weapon it was precise and deadly accurate, dropping another enemy combatant again and again. Eventually the Seals were hit but none of the initial wounds were fatal. These guys took several hits, sucked it up and fought back until their bodies gave out on them and they died. Do you realize the mental strength this must take? Most people would give up, crawl to cover and either go into shock or remain paralyzed by fear.

I feel for their friends and family as they suffered a tremendous loss but holy **** their actions also command the utmost respect and pride. IMHO almost so that it overshadows the sadness of their passing. Our nation has come into contact with some formidable opponents over the years but it's men like this that never give up that seem to always bring us out on top.

Okay – end rant.

[NOTPAID4]

God Bless you guys for being HONOR GUARDS!!! Being a Viet Nam Vet... THANK GOD, I never had to do that. Just thankful ALL of my personal friends came home alive! I am deeply saddened by all that were lost though. I went to the Viet Nam memorial and broke down crying, couldn't help myself... kinda embarassing, you know!
Also very sadden by all the vets were are still loosing!!!!!!!!!

[DaddyGoFast]

Wow, Shane... That had to be tough!

I hope the void get's filled with memories, laughs, new positive experiences soon.

[Sharp Charge]

I went to the Viet Nam memorial and broke down crying, couldn't help myself... kinda embarrassing, you know!

Not in the least. I've never made it to the big wall, but I did see the smaller roaming wall and got choked up a little. No shame in your expressions sir.